Ecuador — Living: Safety

Key facts

• Terrorism: There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.
• Political situation: Due to the current State of Emergency, expect heightened police and military presence nationwide without previous notice, and potential travel disruptions due to extra security checks.
• Crime: distraction techniques (for example, requests for assistance, squirting liquids on to you, staged fights and pushing or shoving)
• Laws and cultural differences: By law you must carry ID.
• Outdoor activities and adventure tourism: If you join a volunteer or adventure expedition programme, make sure the UK organisation responsible for travel has an official agent in Ecuador able to handle an emergency.
• Transport risks: If you are planning to drive in Ecuador, see information on driving abroad .
• Extreme weather and natural disasters: Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

Steps

1. Assessing Personal Safety — Research the specific region and location to understand potential safety concerns and take necessary precautions.

Costs

• Cost of Living: Significantly lower than in many North American countries

Timelines

• Adjustment Period: Varies, can take several weeks to a few months to adapt to local conditions and feel comfortable with safety measures

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the risks associated with petty theft and pickpocketing
• Not taking necessary precautions in unfamiliar areas

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out  how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . Terrorism in Ecuador  : Terrorist attacks in Ecuador cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Due to the current State of Emergency, expect heightened police and military presence nationwide without previous notice, and potential travel disruptions due to extra security checks. Exercise caution around large gatherings. Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are common and can occur without warning. While most are peaceful, they can turn violent. You should: • stay alert and monitor local media • avoid large gatherings • follow updates from the ECU 911 emergency services • be wary of unverified information • allow extra time to reach your destination • check road conditions  (in Spanish) on the Ecuadorean government website Even peaceful protests can lead to travel disruption.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings  : Mugging and pickpocketing are common, take care in Quito’s old town and at transport hubs. The methods criminals use include: • distraction techniques (for example, requests for assistance, squirting liquids on to you, staged fights and pushing or shoving) • bag snatching at knife or gunpoint by a passenger on a motorbike To reduce your risk: • stay alert in public places • avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night • do not wear expensive jewellery in public • carry only the money you need for the day • take care of your credit cards • watch your bags on public transport and wear your rucksack on the front of your body • carry a colour copy of your passport, including the visa entry stamp page – keep the original safe • use a money belt or secure inside pocket to keep your passport, credit cards and money safe For more information on general travel safety in Ecuador, check the Ministry of Tourism website . Violent crime and armed robbery : On 14 October 2025, a car bomb exploded near the Mall del Sol shopping centre and the Sheraton Hotel in northern Guayaquil, resulting in multiple injuries and at least one fatality. Secondary explosions were reported on 15 October 2025 on a road connecting the provinces of Guayas and El Oro. Armed robbery is a risk throughout Ecuador. Crimes with the threat of violence, such as gunpoint robbery and home invasion, can happen throughout Ecuador. Take particular care in Esmeraldas, Guayas and Manabi provinces (currently the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to those provinces) and get local advice on where to visit. Armed thieves have stopped vehicles and threatened passengers. Most violent crime is gang-related, but tourists can be affected. The murder rate in Guayaquil is very high, but is mainly gang-related. Be particularly cautious in Guayaquil city centre, southern parts of the city and port areas. Since March 2023, organised crime gangs have caused small explosions and made false bomb threats in Quito and Guayaquil. If you’re near an incident, follow the instructions of police and local authorities. Get local advice about the area you’re visiting and travel in a group when possible. ATM and bank customer robbery : … (continues on the FCDO page)

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID : By law you must carry ID. Always carry a printed copy of your passport, including the pages with your photograph and Ecuadorean entry stamp. Illegal drugs and prison sentences : The penalties for drug trafficking or drug use are harsh, and prison conditions are very basic. ‘Spiritual cleansing’ hallucinogens : In Ecuador people use traditional hallucinogens such as Ayahuasca or San Pedro. These substances are marketed to tourists for ‘spiritual cleansing’ rituals. They often contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the UK. There are many risks when taking these substances including: • serious illness and death • assault and robbery while intoxicated • lack of nearby medical help as these ceremonies often take place in remote locations Consumption of traditional hallucinogens is unregulated. LGBT+ travellers : Same-sex relations are legal in Ecuador. However, local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community can be conservative and there is still societal discrimination. People may be less tolerant of same-sex couples showing affection in public than they are in the UK. Showing affection may attract negative attention, especially in small towns. Transgender people in particular could face unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers . Money : US dollars and 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos coins minted in Ecuador are the only legal currencies. Credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted in cities but not elsewhere in the country.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Volunteer and adventure activities : If you join a volunteer or adventure expedition programme, make sure the UK organisation responsible for travel has an official agent in Ecuador able to handle an emergency. Be wary of unauthorised intermediaries (‘enganchadores’) trying to offer you cheap hotels or tour deals. British nationals have died while rafting, kayaking and on canopy walks and zip-lines. Make sure you’re fit enough for these activities and others such as bungee jumping and quad biking. For water adventure sports, make sure the weather conditions and river currents are safe. You should: • only use reputable tour operators with a specific licence to provide these services • be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards • check the company uses the most up-to-date equipment and safety features • check the company is properly insured • make sure your insurance covers all your activities Swimming safety : There is a risk of drowning caused by strong, rapidly changing ocean currents. Beaches do not always have swimming safety warning flags. Seek local advice on tidal activity. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. Hiking and mountaineering : If you’re hiking or mountaineering in Ecuador, prepare for high altitude and unpredictable climates. Hire an accredited guide or tour operator for these activities. You should: • climb at a moderate rate so your body can adjust • stay well hydrated • keep to established paths or use an experienced guide • make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to return • avoid walking alone Lightning has killed tourists climbing mountains. Watch the weather and reconsider your plans if conditions look bad. Turn off any electronic devices if you encounter a thunderstorm; this prevents electrical surges, stops devices from acting as lightning rods, and protects you from close-range strikes. For more information on climbing or mountaineering, see the  Ministry of Environment , [Ecuador Tourism] (https://www.turismo.gob.ec/), and  Chimborazo Local Government . For accredited guides, check the Ecuadorean Mountaineering Accredited Guides Association (in Spanish). Climbing mountains with glaciers: It is illegal to do high mountaineering or climb a glaciated mountain without an official accredited guide. Pichincha volcano  : … (continues on the FCDO page)

Transport risks

Road travel  : If you are planning to drive in Ecuador, see information on driving abroad . You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Ecuador for the first 6 months after you arrive. If you still have a paper UK driving licence, you may need to  update it to a photocard licence  or get the  correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP )  as well. After 6 months, you need to take an Ecuadorean driving test to get an Ecuadorean driving licence or carry out the driving licence exchange process. Always carry your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration with you in the vehicle. Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 6 months of driving experience, a minimum age of 18 years old and holding an  IDP . Some cities do not allow vehicles with Ecuadorean plates to drive on certain days or at peak times based on the last digits of their car’s registration plate. Check for restrictions before you drive. You could be fined if you do not follow the rules. Driving conditions : Ecuador has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America due to careless driving, speeding and badly maintained vehicles. There have been many deaths, including British nationals. In Ecuador: • road conditions vary • heavy rains and mudslides often cause roads to be closed or wash away • driving can be erratic – be prepared to stop unexpectedly • vehicles may move slowly, change lanes without indicating or jump red lights • many drivers are uninsured • drivers usually ignore zebra crossings Always wear a seat belt. If you’re a passenger in a speeding vehicle, ask the driver to slow down. Taxis  : Book taxis through your hotel or by calling a known radio-dispatched taxi service. Travel in a group if possible. Using unregistered taxis significantly increases your risk of becoming a victim of crime. While taxi service apps do exist and provide the driver’s details, the services themselves are unregulated in Ecuador. If you’re using a yellow registered taxi in Quito or Guayaquil, make sure it has: • a municipality registration number sticker on the windscreen and doors • orange licence plates or the new white plates with an orange strip on the top • video cameras inside There are authorised taxi booths at Quito and Guayaquil international airports, and potentially at other domestic airports. … (continues on the FCDO page)

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards . 2026–2027 El Niño: The Ecuadorean authorities have issued a red alert ahead of the forecast 2026-2027 El Niño weather event. El Niño is expected to generate unusually heavy rainfall, possible flooding and landslides, and higher temperatures, which may disrupt travel and other services. Extreme weather may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. For official updates and forecasts, see the Ecuadorean government’s El Niño information website (in Spanish). Landslides : Landslides are common in Ecuador and can have a serious impact on travel. Heavy rains can lead to landslides, which frequently lead to road closures. Check the weather forecast if you are travelling by road. Earthquakes : There is a high risk of earthquakes across Ecuador. Earthquakes and aftershocks can cause landslides, which block roads. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel. If there is an earthquake, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you. Get information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from the: • Ecuadorean National Geophysical Institute • Secretariat for Risk Management (Secretaría Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos) – check current alerts • ECU 911 emergency services The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake . You can also get earthquake alerts with an Android phone . Tsunamis : There is a high risk of tsunamis along the coast and in the Galapagos Islands. If there is a tsunami alert, sirens will sound in Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, Santa Elena, Manabí and Galapagos. See evacuation route maps and follow the advice of the authorities. Rainy season : The rainy season usually runs from October to May but can last until June. During heavy rainy seasons: • monitor local media • check your itinerary with your tour operator to avoid disruption • avoid river crossings due to potential strong currents • take care in affected areas The weather can change quickly. Check weather forecasts . Get local advice on tides if you’re near the coast. If you’re climbing or mountaineering, get official advice from the authorities and tour operators. Forest fires : … (continues on the FCDO page)